asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements he has made or contemplates for setting up a committee or committees to deal with applications for deferment or exemptions from call-up by Z reservists.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my statement during the Second Reading of the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Training Bill on 26th February, 1951.

While bearing that in mind, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman is aware that there is quite a lot of doubt—widespread doubt, and even dissatisfaction—about some of the discrimination in the call-up as it is exercised at present? Does he think that the arrangements he has made are adequate?

Yes, Sir, I have no doubt that they will be adequate.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many communications have already been addressed to him about Z Reserve problems?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances will Z reservists 40 years of age or over be recalled for training this summer.

asked the Secretary of State for War why certain men over 40 years of age, demobilised prior to 1946 and without specialist qualifications, are being recalled as Class Z reservists.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far the shortage of Royal Army Service Corps drivers is so acute as to necessitate the recall in this category of Class Z reservists aged over 40.

The units selected to train reservists this year will represent only a small proportion of the units which would be mobilised in an emergency. In selecting reservists for the units required in an emergency, the general principle of "last out, first back" has been applied. This has involved using the reservist's age and service group, and although this reflects accurately the date of his release, it does not, because of the Service element, bear any close relationship to his age. Moreover, there are certain arms and trades where the needs of mobilisation demand the recall of most, if not all, reservists trained in those duties.

But does the Under-Secretary recall that, on 18th September last, his right hon. Friend the then Minister of Labour made a statement to the effect that Z reservists of 40 years of age and upwards were free to join Civil Defence, and does it not make nonsense of all those arrangements to call up for further training men several years above that age?

If for the reason described by the hon. Member, or for any other reason, a man has good ground why he should not be called up, there is machinery for making representations.

Does the Under-Secretary realise that large numbers of men between the ages of 40 and 44, who are totally without specialist qualifications, and who were demobilised before 1946—such as batmen, orderlies, clerks and drivers—are now being recalled to the Colours? Are there not hundreds of thousands of younger men who, on the principle of "last out, first in," ought to be recalled first?

When the hon. Gentleman speaks of specialist qualifications, he must remember that if a unit is to be made up it must contain men trained in certain duties. A man may be trained in certain duties without having what could reasonably be described as specialist qualifications.

Can my hon. Friend say why it is that age seems to be completely disregarded in the call-up of so many of these non-specialists? Is he aware that the information that the release number over-rides all considerations of age comes as a bit of a bombshell to those of us who are trying to understand the system which has been followed?

I think that the relation between age and age service groups is well enough understood. Age is only one factor in determining a man's age and service group.

How will this rule be applied in cases of men who are not 45 when they receive their call-up papers, but who are over 45 on the date at which they have to join up?

If the hon. Gentleman has details of cases of that kind, perhaps he would bring them to my notice.

Will my hon. Friend look into cases of men who are over 40 and who are engaged on highly skilled armaments work, such as tool making? I have in mind a man who is over 43 years of age. Surely this matter ought to be looked into with a view to considering whether men of that type cannot be more effectively used in industry?

I endeavour to look into all cases which hon. Members send to me. I understand that the question of the value of the man's civilian work had already been considered by the Ministry of Labour before the call-up notices were issued.

But why take tool makers?

Will the Under-Secretary bear in mind that it is not only a case of individual hardship to the men concerned, but a question of public policy affecting Civil Defence recruitment, and will he consult with the Minister of Labour in order to bring out an up-to-date and less conflicting statement?

I will bear that point in mind.

In view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement showing how many Class Z reservists to whom notices of recall for training have been, or are to be, sent, had served one, two, three, four, five or six years before VJ Day.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Class Z reservists, to whom calling-up papers have been sent, were under 35 years of age; how many were between 35 and 40 years of age; and how many were over 40 years of age.

This information is not readily available.

Does the Minister recall that, in announcing the recall scheme on 29th January, the First Lord of the Treasury said:

"… it may be that there are key men in certain places who will be required, and who have actually served."—[OFFICIAL REPORT. 29th January, 1951: Vol. 483. c. 592.]

Does my hon. Friend realise that there is a strong impression in the country that far too large a proportion of older men are being called up, and would it not therefore be a good thing to publish the facts, so that we can see exactly what the position is?

I certainly agree that it will be desirable to have this information, but I am reluctant, at a time when the primary job of the record officers must be to see that the scheme is working smoothly, to impose this burden on them immediately. I think it might be desirable at a later stage to obtain this information.

Would it be administratively very difficult to find out how many individual cases of questioning the notice of call-up have occurred up to date?

No, that would not be difficult.

In view of the statement of the Minister of Labour about recruitment for Civil Defence, did the hon. Gentleman's previous reply mean that if they volunteered for Civil Defence they would be absolved from call-up, if over the age of 40?

No, not necessarily.

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that the records of all men called up since 1945 have been sufficiently examined, and that, notwithstanding that fact, he still cannot find the specialists required?

Yes. Sir. We have carried out the procedure which I outlined to the House on an earlier occasion.

if a man over 40 goes to the local employment exchange can he have his case specially considered?

It is open to any man of any age, for the reasons that have been stated in the letter sent to him with the warning notice, to have his case considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement as to the arrangements which have been made for military mobile columns to act with the Civil Defence organisation.

Subject to its operational commitments, the Army has undertaken to provide support to the Civil Defence organisation if and when conditions after heavy air attack are such that the Civil Defence authorities are unable to restore the situation with their own resources.

In view of the probable preoccupation of the Regular Army with other duties, does not the hon. Gentleman consider that a mobile column of the Home Guard would fulfil these functions more adequately?

Yes, Sir, that is a possibility, and it is one of the things we are considering.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no boots of Finnish pattern designed for use in the snow, were included in the supplies of winter clothing for the 27th Brigade when these supplies arrived in Korea on 3rd and 8th November, respectively.

As the hon. Member was informed on 27th February, these boots were, on the contrary, included in the supplies of winter clothing which arrived in Korea on 3rd and 8th November. Moreover, these boots were reported to be in use by the 27th Brigade on 20th November.

Is the hon. Member aware that boots being used both by the 27th and the 29th Brigades have proved totally unsuitable during the winter; and in view of that will he say why is it not to be until next autumn that they are to be replaced?

I cannot accept the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member that the boots have proved to be totally unsuitable.

Is the hon. Member aware that according to my information, which comes directly from the Brigade concerned, these boots had not reached the forward troops as late as 12th January of this year, and that as a result of that much unnecessary suffering and hardship has been caused to our troops? Does he realise that it is his responsibility to see that these boots arrive, and will he please take a personal interest in the matter forthwith?

This is a matter in which my right hon. Friend and I have taken considerable interest. The information given by the hon. Member is at variance with our information. I think that this is not the first time the hon. Member has mentioned having this information, and we should be very glad if he would make it available to us so that we can give it full consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman telling the House that it took from 8th November until 22nd November for these boots to get from wherever they were unloaded to the forward troops?

No, Sir. I mentioned the date 20th November, because there was, as my right hon. Friend mentioned to the House, a Press report on that date mentioning that they were already in use by that date.

On a point of order. I personally showed, Sir, the letter which gave this information——

That is not a point of order.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of recent broadcasts on Peking Radio and other messages identifying a number of British Service men, formerly listed as missing but now reported to be prisoners in Chinese or North Korean hands, he will renew his efforts to open official channels of communication on the subject of prisoners of war; whether he accepts officially the evidence provided by such broadcasts; and if he will state the practice in regard to pay, allowances and personal effects in such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far any channels exist by which regular information is obtained from the North Korean and Chinese authorities as to the identification of British personnel who fall into their hands.

I regret that it has not yet been possible to secure any official notifications in regard to British Forces taken prisoner in Korea. Efforts to open official channels of communication are proceeding. Information which has so far been received about the identity of British Army personnel is not regarded as official. In such cases the individual is regarded as "missing, believed prisoner-of-war." Pay is credited to his account for four weeks from the end of the week in which his dependants are notified that he is missing. His dependants continue to receive the marriage allowance and/or allotments in issue to them for a period which is at present limited to 52 weeks from the date on which they are notified of the casualty, should the soldier remain missing for, so long. The personal effects of officers believed to be prisoners-of-war may be handed over, on the authority of the War Office, to next-of-kin or other responsible persons who have made application for them. In the case of other ranks, the personal effects are at present held by the War Department pending confirmation that the soldiers are prisoners-of-war.

asked the Secretary of State for War why green berets, where these are regimental dress, will not be issued free on loan to officers who are recalled for training and do not provide their own uniform.

In these cases green berets will be provided so far as they are available.

Why should they not be provided to all who want them, in exactly the same way as blue berets or khaki berets are provided?

We shall not be able to do that in every case.

Is not that discrimination against the Rifle Regiments? Why should not a full supply of green berets be available in the same way as blue or khaki?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps were taken to ascertain the views of Territorial Army authorities on the subject of the guarantee by employers of holidays in addition to time spent at camp.

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement during the debate on Army Estimates on 8th March.

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that his advisers have been rather more concerned with the effect on industry than upon the volunteers, and will he now take a greater cross-section of opinion on this matter? Will he also encourage employers to give this guarantee to volunteers so long as they are training Z men.

We have been primarily concerned with the attitude of the Territorial Army itself, although the attitude of employers is also important, but we are making further inquiries to make sure that we do get a representative opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give a list of warlike stores sold, or to be sold, by his Department in the current financial year, and of warlike stores which it is estimated in Vote 7 (2), will be sold in the year 1951–52.

In both these years the main items among the warlike stores sold or likely to be sold consist of artillery components and small arms ammunition, vehicle spares and electrical and wireless equipment.

Can the hon. Gentleman say to what extent these important items of military equipment are sold to Governments outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation?

I should not like to answer that question off-hand. The bulk of these stores go to countries with whom we have treaty or other commitments for maintenance.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the fact that Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' prices in Korea are fixed on the same basis as those in Hong Kong, the same local overseas allowance is not paid to those serving in Korea as to those stationed in Hong Kong.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will grant an additional 5s. a day Korea allowance for all troops fighting in Korea.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if, in view of the assurances contained in his letter of 8th December, 1950, to the hon. Member for Maldon, that the question of a local overseas allowance for troops in Korea would be kept under review, and that such an allowance would be introduced if at any time the prices of items on which troops usually spend money were found to warrant it, he will now state whether this matter has now been reviewed; and with what result;

The purpose of local overseas allowance is to meet the additional cost of living in overseas stations as compared with the United Kingdom, and N.A.A.F.I. prices are only one of many factors involved. My right hon. Friend is satisfied, as he has previously informed the House, that the Commander in Korea will submit recommendations for an overseas allowance should he consider it necessary. The extent to which any allowances granted should be retrospective will be considered if and when such recommendations are received.

Is not the Commander in Korea rather busy with other matters, and ought not the War Office to see that people who are fighting in those difficult conditions are given the allowance when the N.A.A.F.I. prices are so high, as is admitted? Should not the Government see that the onus is on the War Office to give the proper allowance, instead of putting the onus on those who are fighting?

As I think the hon. Gentleman knows, it is normally the concern of the Commander to make representations on a matter like this. We shall, of course, take considerable notice of the opinions expressed in the House. It is true that N.A.A.F.I. prices for some commodities are high, but the House has been provided with a list of the goods as a whole, and the prices are lower in other respects; nor is this the only factor affecting the cost of living.

In view of the phrase from the Secretary of State's letter, quoted in Question No. 21, when my hon. Friend says that N.A.A.F.I. prices are only one of the factors taken into consideration, can he say what other things it is possible for the troops in Korea to spend their money on?

It is not the purpose of a local overseas allowance to compensate for amenities that cannot be obtained. It is true that there are certain amenities that can be obtained in Hong Kong which affect the cost of living there and which do not enter into the argument in Korea.

Is it not an absurd state of affairs that a man fighting in Korea, in most unpleasant conditions, should draw less in pay and allowances than equivalent ranks who are in the safety of Hong Kong? Is it impossible for the Government to take an intelligent view of this matter?

The view that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has advanced is something very different and contrary to all previous practice. The local overseas allowance is related to the cost of living in the area and not to the nature of operations.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these Questions refer particularly to the troops who were sent from Hong Kong, in August, to Korea? I understand that the allowance was given not only as a cost of living allowance, but to supplement the pay of the officers or men who had their wives out there. Their wives are still in Hong Kong, and the men are in Korea and they have suffered this cash loss.

The arrangement made after the men left Hong Kong was only a brief, temporary arrangement. What we are now doing is in accordance with the recognised practice but, of course, in the face of any compelling evidence, we shall certainly consider the granting of a local overseas allowance.

Does the hon. Gentleman's reply mean that the fewer the amenities that there are to be purchased the smaller the overseas allowance will be?

No, Sir. It means that a local overseas allowance has relation to the cost of living in the theatre concerned.

Although my hon. Friend says that the Commander on the spot will make a recommendation if he thinks it necessary, can my hon. Friend not take the initiative of consulting the Commander and ask him if he thinks it would not be desirable?

Yes, Sir. I think that could be done.

Would the hon. Gentleman say whether, after this Question was first raised, I think on 27th February, he or his right hon. Friend did or did not get into touch with the Commander in Korea?

I understand that my right hon. Friend did that.

What happened?

When the hon. Gentleman has finished considering this matter, will he back-date the allowance so that the men will not suffer?

I have already referred to that point in my original answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reasons the minimum age of soldiers in Malaya is nine months less than that of soldiers in Korea.

The requirement that soldiers must be 19 years of age before embarking for Korea derives from the practice general in the last war that soldiers should not be posted to a theatre of war before reaching that age. Service in Malaya, in operations in aid of the civil power, involves danger and hardship, but is not service against a fully constituted and equipped enemy. It is essential to ensure that troops sent to Malaya are adequately trained, but it is not considered appropriate that the age limit should be raised to 19.

Can we assume that, in practice, these very young men in Malaya will not be sent on operations?

There is already a minimum age at which a man may be sent to the Far East. My right hon. Friend has already explained to the House the steps taken for training, both before he goes and after he arrives there, and I do not think that I can add to that.

Does the hon. Gentleman remember that his right hon. Friend told us on a previous occasion that he would review this period of training, especially before sending troops to Malaya? Has that review already taken place, and, if so, can he give us any information?

I cannot add anything at present.

When will the hon. Gentleman be able to give us a more useful answer?

Very shortly, I hope.

May we take it that the fact that Malaya is not considered an active area of operations does not affect pensions being paid following fatal casualties?

I would ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to study the actual words I used about operations in Malaya. No one has questioned the serious nature of the operations there, but the phrase I used was to the effect that it is not a case of operations against a fully constituted and equipped enemy.

Will the hon. Gentleman amplify his statement in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Brigadier Thorp)? Will pensions be paid to the relatives of men killed in Malaya as they are in the case of men killed in Korea? What is the subtle difference between being killed in Malaya and being killed in Korea?

We seem to be getting on to pensions, whereas the Question asked was about the minimum age, which seems to be rather different.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will establish forthwith county weapon cadres for training Home Guards to be recruited in the event of a national emergency.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement by my right hon. Friend during the debate on the Army Estimates on 8th March.

While realising the purport of that statement, may I ask the Under-Secretary if he will reconsider the matter, in view of the number of highly qualified ex-officers and warrant officers who are available at once for county weapon cadres without any drain at all on equipment available at the moment?

I will bear the hon. Gentleman's suggestion in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the fighting efficiency of units overseas, or expected to proceed shortly overseas, will not be reduced by the withdrawal of instructors or other non-commissioned officers who, through previous experience as miners, are entitled to claim to be returned to industry.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether commanding officers have discretionary powers to release or retain in the Army ex-miners who are eligible and have indicated a willingness to return to the mines.

Soldiers may not be released in order to return to the mines unless they are below the rank of acting sergeant and last enlisted from civil life after 1st January, 1949. I am satisfied that their withdrawal is not likely to affect the fighting efficiency of units overseas or about to proceed overseas. Commanding officers have no discretionary powers in this matter provided the soldier fulfils the conditions which have been laid down.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give the assurance asked for in the Question? Will he confirm that senior n.c.o.s can be withdrawn from units in certain theatres overseas, and from units at home due shortly to proceed overseas, under his present scheme?

No, Sir. I have just told the hon. Member that soldiers cannot be released to return to the mines unless they are below the rank of acting sergeant.

In view of the vital importance of getting every ton of coal that we possibly can, will my hon. Friend undertake to review the matter in order to release every miner in the Forces?

In view of the fact that the total numbers involved here are not large, would not the hon. Gentleman look at this matter again? Is it not easier to produce sergeants than to produce miners?

The scheme has been examined both with regard to the needs of the Army and the needs of the mining industry, and we have endeavoured to reach a solution that meets them both, as far as that is possible.

May we take it from the information which my hon. Friend has given that ex-miners are not to be released if they are not below the rank of acting sergeant, if they are serving in Korea, if they are National Service men, if they are Regular reservists or if they did not enlist after a certain date? In that case, how many are left? Why has the statement previously made been scaled down in this way?

Is it not a fact that inquiries have elicited the fact that the great majority of miners in the Forces would far rather remain where they are than go back to the mines under nationalisation?

asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects to introduce a new schedule of prices for Service footwear repairs.

It is intended to bring the present arrangements for the repair of Service footwear to an end on 31st May next. As from that date the work will be let as the result of competitive tenders. Unless there are marked changes in costs in the meantime, the present schedule of prices will apply until that date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to extend the bounty of £4 to be paid to Class Z officers for attending camp to Territorial officers; and whether he is prepared to reconsider his decision not to require employers to give the same holiday facilities to Territorials as are to be laid down for reservists.

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Roxburgh and Selkirk (Mr. Macdonald) on 6th February, 1951, and to my statement during the debate on the Army Estimates on 8th March.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this failure to give T.A. officers and other ranks equal treatment with the reservists is causing widespread dissatisfaction? Is it not time that the Government stopped exploiting the voluntary spirit of the Territorial Army?

If the hon. Member will look at the statements I have made, he will see that we are now having that matter examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make regarding the Government's policy for the organisation and employment of African colonial units in the event of emergency.

The importance of the use of African colonial units in an emergency is fully recognised, and plans to this end are now being examined.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that the Commander-in-Chief has recently had to deny rumours that African troops were being used exclusively in pioneer and labour units, and does not he agree that it is very important that the Government should get out a clear statement on this matter at an early date in order to check any decrease in the morale of the African units?

Meanwhile, of course, it is important that rumours of that kind should not be spread.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the basis of recruitment for the War Graves Commission: and how many recruits have been added to headquarters staff since 1948.

The Imperial War Graves Commission obtain staff through the Ministry of Labour and National Service, through appointments boards and by advertisements in the Press. Since 1st April, 1948, the number of staff at the Commission's headquarters has risen from 302 to 318.

Would my hon. Friend consider introducing a competitive examination as in other branches of the Civil Service, to eliminate any possible charge of nepotism or jobs for the old school boys?

I have no reason to believe that there is any justification for that statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War why his Department have refused to pay more than £3,000 as compensation for the restoration of the Excelsior Hotel, St. Margaret's Bay, Kent, which was requisitioned in 1940 and subsequently totally destroyed in house to house fighting exercises, in view of the fact that the estimated cost of restoring it to its original condition amounts to £8,500.

The compensation payable by the War Department is restricted by statute to the total value of the property at the time of requisition in April, 1942. This value, assessed on the most generous basis possible, was £3,000.

Does the Minister really believe that the owner of this hotel is receiving fair treatment? First he is deprived of his livelihood by the War Office, and now he is refused reinstatement. Would the Minister be kind enough to say what action could be taken to give this man justice?

This hotel was already damaged at the time it was taken over by the War Office. The compensation which has been awarded is the maximum provided by statute. I do not think there is any ground for supposing that justice has been denied him.

Is it not this sort of treatment which makes the War Office so unpopular in the country? Could not the Minister see that this treatment is not tolerated?

No case has been made out that there has been any unfair treatment in this instance. We compensated for the value of the property at the time it was requisitioned. Do hon. Members suggest that we should have paid more than it was worth at the time of requisitioning?

Can the Minister enlighten the House as to the damage previously sustained by this building?

It was damaged by enemy action.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many male non-commissioned officers and how many warrant officers are at present in the War Office on typing and other clerical duties; and how many hours a day have they spent on military training during the past six months.

One hundred and fifteen warrant officers are employed in supervisory and other clerical duties, and 457 non - commissioned officers are employed on similar duties and on typing. No fixed daily period of military training is laid down, but, in order to meet the requirements for promotion to each rank, courses are run for the military personnel in the War Office to enable them to attain the required standards in military subjects.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider this is rather an alarming number in view of the shortage of fighting material, and is he taking any steps to reduce the number?

No, I do not think that the number is alarming. We have to have a certain number of soldiers performing these duties, partly because they will be required to be familiar with them in time of war, and partly because they are sometimes required to work irregular hours.

Is my hon. Friend aware that some right hon. and hon. Members opposite won their medals, fame and glory for doing much less in the War Office than the typists there are doing now?

Can the Minister assure us that this staff at the War Office is part of the Royal Army Service Corps, and that, therefore, it is part of their training; or are they men seconded from fighting units?

I could not say, without notice, what arms they are in.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an estimate of the effect which the replacement of non-commissioned officers by civil servants of equivalent grade would have on the finances of his Department.

The cost of the civil servants would be much the same as that of the non-commissioned officers they replaced, but would, of course, constitute an extra charge since the non-commissioned officers would, in present circumstances, be employed elsewhere, and not discharged. Normally, however, when a post is filled by a soldier, it is because, for one reason or another, it is not suitable for a civilian.

As the matter is really more a problem of manpower than of finance at the moment, would it not be better to replace some of these n.c.o's. by civil servants, so as to free them for the fighting units?

No, for the reason I gave the hon. and gallant Member in the previous Question.

Could not female labour be used?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider reviewing the regulation which makes the widow of an officer or man ineligible for pension when there is 25 years' disparity of age between them.

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence on 29th March, 1950, a scheme of family pensions on a contributory basis is under consideration. When a decision is reached, it is intended to review the existing non-contributory pension scheme for widows of officers and warrant officers, Class I, whose deaths are not due to service. That review will cover the rule referred to by the hon. Member. The rule does not apply to awards in respect of deaths due to service.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that the case, of which, no doubt, he is fully aware, of the widow of an officer who served for 40 years in all and who was decorated with the M.V.O., who was married to him for 25 years and had five children, and who, when this officer died, was left without any pension, is a very bad case of hardship, and that he has a responsibility for making an award to the widow?

I agree with the hon. and gallant Member that this is in many ways an unsatisfactory rule. As I have said, it will be reviewed as part of the plan for a contributory pension scheme.

But will the hon. Gentleman do something for this lady?

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether, in view of the growing burden of local government expenditure, much of which is attributable to causes beyond the control of the local authorities themselves, he will now take steps to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into local government expenditure and local taxation.

Under the Local Government Act of 19,48 an investigation is due in 1953.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that a more comprehensive investigation than that under the Act to which he has referred should be undertaken in order to allay public anxiety about the rising cost of local government expenditure?

I think we had better wait until we have the new valuation. That will enable us to judge much better than we can now.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution of the Bermondsey Borough Council on 22nd November, 1950, in relation to the district auditor's report which criticised certain journeys in 1948 undertaken by the Mayor of Bermondsey at that time to the New Cross speedway track in the mayoral car; and, in view of aspersions cast in the Council's recommendation upon the integrity of the auditor, what action he proposes to take to investigate this accusation.

The district auditor in his report commented on the use of the mayoral car as recorded by the log book. The Council in their observations upon the report doubt the veracity of the record, but have given instructions for future procedure. I do not propose to take any further action.

Is the Minister aware that the Council's recommendation included the words that the auditor's report lacked both intelligence and integrity? Does he not think that that accusation should be probed for the protection of the Council if it be true and for the protection of the district auditor if it be not true?

I do not think so. I repeat that I think no further action is called for by me at this stage. If there is an appeal against any district auditor's report then I have jurisdiction. If there is not an appeal I let it be.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on the whole question of district auditing there has been discussion by Metropolitan boroughs, including Conservative councils, on the whole method of auditing but that there has been no intention at any time, in this case, of questioning the integrity of the officer himself?

That is what I understand. As I said, it was the veracity of the record of the log book that was doubted.

Is there any time limit within which an appeal has to be lodged? If there is a limit is there still time to lodge an appeal?

Are we to understand from the Minister's reply that he condones the use of ratepayers' money for repeated visits to a speedway track?

The hon. Member is to understand from my reply what is in my reply.

In view of the evident reluctance of the Minister to protect district auditors, or have the matter discussed, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning for what reasons 19 members and two officials of the Hetton Urban District Council have been asked to refund sums claimed in respect of expenses for attendance at conferences, after criticism by the district auditor; and what was the total sum involved.

Because the district auditor held that more had been claimed than was reasonably necessary. The sum involved was £36 6s. 10d. which has been repaid.

Can the Minister say under what particular headings these sums were reclaimed? Was it in respect of wrong claims for loss of earnings or for subsistence at too high a rate? What was the particular form of the claim?

There were a number of points raised and the total sum, as the hon. Gentleman will see, amounted to £36 among 21 persons, which is not very much per head.

Can the Minister not give a better reply than simply to say there were a number of points raised? Since this was some form of dishonesty can he say exactly what it was?

The hon. Gentleman has no right to assume that there was any form of dishonesty.

Does the Minister not agree that the whole matter needs reviewing? It is creating a bad atmosphere in the country.

The bad atmosphere is not created by me.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's highly unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he and his officers have studied the exhibition of designs for houses to cost £1,000 or less, recently organised at the County Hall with the approval and assistance of the London County Council; and whether his Department is now prepared to accept the principle that building standards should be made sufficiently flexible to allow local authorities to provide good houses in larger numbers and at rents that council tenants can afford.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will instruct his expert advisers to examine the designs of the £1,000 houses, now on exhibition in the Conference Hall of the London County Council; and, if possible, get suggestions from these designs, or other sources, for modifications in present Government housing regulations, compliance with which is making houses cost more than many can afford to pay.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will recommend to all local authorities the successful design submitted to the Housing Exhibition staged at County Hall, with a view to obtaining more houses from the same outlay of materials and lowering council house rents by reducing the cost of the average three bedroomed house from the present £1,400 to £950 each.

I have inspected these plans, and so have my advisers. Subject to local bylaws, it is open to private builders to adopt any of these plans for houses built under licence. I intend shortly to issue a circular to local authorities on the design of council houses.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the former Minister of Health was far too inflexible in these matters?

No, Sir, I should not think so.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the regulations and the conditions which are insisted upon cause houses to be far too expensive? They do not have to be so expensive. If he will look into the matter thoroughly with an expert who knows the game he will find that the matter can be put right very easily.

Is the Minister aware of the grave urgency of this problem owing to the fact that many people now on the housing lists are refusing their turn because of the high rents? If this scheme is accepted, we can get more houses from a given amount of material and, very likely, at lower rents.

I am taking all these matters into account.

In considering the issue of the circular to which he has referred, will my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that there will be no attempt to reduce housing standards?

I am bearing that in mind. My hon. Friend and I have had a number of talks about the matter, as I have had with other hon. Members. He is well aware that I do not want to see any lowering of essential standards.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he is aware of the hardship which is caused to persons who, by reason of their employment, must change their town or work in one town and live in another thus being regarded by the local authority as not qualifying for either a council house or to receive a private building licence out of their allocation; and whether he will consider making provision in proper cases for building licences to be granted in excess of the present percentage to-persons falling within this category.

As regards local authority houses, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the Question by the hon. Member for Dorset, South (Viscount Hinchingbrooke) on 6th February. As regards licences, these can be transferred by agreement between local authorities, and additional licences can be granted to suitable cases.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is almost impossible to get an exchange of licences? In cases where exchanges have operated they have been between two persons who desired to change over their town of residence, and such persons are not easy to find.

Obviously, it would be difficult, but we do our best to encourage it.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether he has considered the representations of the Surrey County Council, dated 8th February, 1951, urging allocation of a larger number of houses and greater provision for the granting of private building licences being made to local authorities; and what action he proposes to take.

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what reply he has sent to the Chairman of Surrey County Council's letter regarding distressing housing conditions in the county of Surrey.

A reply was sent on 9th February promising to give consideration to the Council's resolution.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he would also be willing to inform the House of the result of consideration of this immensely important matter?

As I have already said, if any authority can show that they can beat their allocation I will carefully consider whether we can increase it. If the Surrey County Council can produce such evidence I will consider it. Where an authority can show a good case for the variation of the 1–5 ratio of private building to public building I will also consider that.

The reply to which the Minister refers was sent over a month ago. When does he think that a final answer will be sent?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was the Argentine sterling balance over here, for which a revaluation is now being demanded because of the pound's devaluation; and if he will make a statement on the position.

I regret that I cannot disclose figures of the sterling balances of individual countries. The question of a revaluation payment will no doubt be discussed in the present negotiations with the Argentine Government, but I am unable at present to make any statement.

Why cannot the Chancellor disclose the balance? Does the fact that the Economic Secretary to the Treasury has been to Argentina sent as head of a trade mission mean that revaluation of these balances is considered of more importance than the obtaining of more meat?

The answer to the latter question is, "No, Sir," and to the former, because it is the property of the other Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions he has given to the Capital Issues Committee about proposals to capitalise reserves; why he refuses to disclose reasons for decisions, either in general or in particular cases; and if he will now permit reserves to be converted into permanent capital without restriction.

The instructions are those set out in a letter dated 13th December, 1949, to the Chairman of the Capital Issues Committee from my predecessor, who quoted it in reply to a question by Mr. Collins on 15th December, 1949. [OFFICIAL REPORT, 15th December, 1949; Vol. 470, c.295.] Permission to make bonus issues is withheld in cases which do not fall within the scope of these instructions; I am not prepared to permit such issues without restriction.

Is not the Chancellor actuated by political prejudice? As no real money is involved ought not companies to be encouraged to plough back profits when they have them?

There is no political motive here, but there is an inflationary danger.

How does a bonus cause inflation, since it only involves a book entry?

Because of benefits through increased dividends and possible capital appreciation to shareholders.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into these instructions, because many anomalous positions are arising and I suggest that the time has come when the instructions require drastic alteration?

We keep a matter of this kind under continuous review.